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Enjoy the Best Alpine Dachsbracke Temperament Traits (18 Total) & More

If you would enjoy a happy, lively, and fun-loving family companion, check out the Alpine Dachsbracke temperament.

He’s an Austrian scenthound who is similar to the Dachshund but has a personality all his own.

The Alpine Dachsbracke’s ancestors were hunters. Today, he most often enjoys life as a family pet. He is adaptable enough to handle either role well.

Alpine Dachsbracke Temperament and Personality Traits

Intelligent

Like most hunting breeds, the Alpine Dachsbracke is very smart and fairly easy to train.

Stubborn

However, like most intelligent dogs, they can have minds of their own. They need firm and consistent training.

Loyal

Alpine Dachsbracken are intensely loyal and devoted to their owners.

Gentle

The Alpine Dachsbracke temperament is kind and gentle. They are very good with children.

Sociable

They get along well with other dogs and are rarely aggressive or shy.

Lively

The Alpine Dachsbracke temperament is outgoing, happy, and humorous. He is the classic little dog with a big personality.

Self-Confident

The Alpine Dachsbracke temperament is bold and outgoing.

Friendly

They are friendly to nearly everyone. Some are reserved toward strangers, but they usually warm up quickly.

Playful

The Alpine Dachsbracke temperament is almost always eager to play. He acts like a puppy for most of his life. This can be both endearing and frustrating, but it’s always entertaining.

Protective

He is alert, protective, and fearless, but he is not aggressive. He will bark to let you know there is something suspicious in the environment.

Gentle

The Alpine Dachsbracke temperament is kind and gentle. They are very good with children.

Fearless

He may be small, but he’s scrappy. Some of these dogs are boar trackers. Even the deer they hunt are much larger than they are.

Curious

He loves to explore outdoors. This is important as it gives him mental stimulation along with exercise.

Adaptable

The Alpine Dachsbracke temperament is surprisingly adaptable. The hunting life would be ideal for him.

However, he will be content even in an apartment if he gets enough outdoor exercise. He also needs human interaction.

If you don’t meet those needs, you may see some problematic Alpine Dachsbracke behaviors. He can be destructive, loud, and hyperactive.

Mischievous

The Alpine Dachsbracke temperament is fun-loving. He likes to play games with his family. He especially loves to sniff out food and treats.

Noisy

This guy can be a barker. You will want to train him early to control it. This will be more important if you have close neighbors.

Hardy

The Alpine Dachsbracke temperament is tough. He is undaunted by bad weather. He can power through rugged terrain and has great stamina.

Prey Drive

The Alpine Dachsbracke is not trustworthy around small household pets. After all, he is a scenthound. That said, he may be okay with a cat if he is brought up with it.

Alpine Dachsbracke History

The Alpine Dachsbracke originated in the Austrian Alps. There, he is called the Alpenländische Dachsbracke. The breed has royal roots that can be traced back to 1881.

Hunters of the nobility created the breed by crossing larger ancient Austrian hounds with the Dachshund. They were looking for a great hunting dog with short legs.

This would give the dogs an advantage when hunting in the Alps. They could keep their noses close to the ground while tracking in the rough, mountainous terrain in high altitudes.

The Alpine Dachsbracke cross was a great success. He is a scenthound who is used mostly to track wounded deer, rabbit, fox, and even boar. He is exceptionally skilled at following cold trails.

Hunters also appreciated that he could be trusted to bring the game back with no further harm.

Historians believe that only royalty were permitted to own them until the early 20th century. Prince Rudolf of Habsburg owned several. He traveled with them on hunting expeditions throughout Austria and to Egypt and Turkey.

The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized the breed in 1975. The United Kennel Club (UKC) acknowledged the Alpine Dachsbracke in 1996.

Today, Austrian hunters have to follow strict hunting rules. They have to prove that they know how to kill with minimal suffering to the game. Hunting with dogs is no longer allowed at all in Austria.

For this reason, the Alpine is kept mostly as a pet today. Luckily, he is fine with settling into a life of companionship. Again, this will only work if he is able to get the exercise he needs.

In the US, the Alpine is very rare. The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize the breed.

Alpine Dachsbracke Training

Like many hunting breeds, the Alpine is an independent-minded dog.

He is intelligent, so he learns easily, but he can be stubborn about obeying. You will need to be a firm, consistent leader.

He responds best to positive reinforcement techniques. And also does best with short, fun training sessions. If you insist on using harsher methods he may become more stubborn.

Alpine Dachsbrack also needs mental stimulation and loves having work to do. If he doesn’t hunt, he enjoys interactive toys to keep his mind occupied.

He is also a sociable breed who needs human interaction. If he does not get it, he may bark or become destructive.

Helpful Dog Training Resource:

For help with training your Alpine Dachsbracke dog, you should take a look at The Online Dog Trainer by Doggy Dan. Doggy Dan is an expert Dog Trainer based in New Zealand. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog.

The Alpine Dachsbracke’s prey drive is another training consideration. He will need to be taught to keep this under control.

This breed is not usually aggressive with people or dogs. He will need socialization, though, because of his prey drive and his independent streak.

Socialization will also help with strangers, as he is often reserved with them. This may also help with barking when he senses an intrusion.

Alpine Dachsbracke Appearance

In overall appearance, Alpine Dachsbracken resemble their ancestor the Dachshund. However, the Alpine is larger and sturdier. This is a medium-sized breed.

He has an elongated, muscular body and short legs (but longer than a Dachshund’s). He has a thick, water-resistant double coat with a soft undercoat. The hair is short and smooth.

He has medium-sized hanging ears, set high and rounded at the tips. His eyes are large, round, and dark brown. His muzzle is long, and he has a black nose and lips and a scissor bite.

The neck is long and well-muscled. He has a deep chest and a brush tail that points downward.

Alpine Dachsbracke Colors

The coat color is usually black, red, or brown. Some will have reddish-brown or black markings or a white star on their chest.

Alpine Dachsbracke Size

The average weight of the Alpine Dachsbracke is 33 to 40 pounds. Alpine Dachsbracke height averages 13 to 16 inches.

Other Names

  • Alpenländische Dachsbracke.
  • Basset des Alpes.
  • Alpine Basset Hound.

Alpine Dachsbracke Health Issues

Like the Dachshund, the Alpine’s elongated back is a vulnerability for him.

Children who will be living with this dog need to be trained that it is fragile. They must never sit on its back. You should also prevent the dog from jumping on and off furniture.

Both of these can cause severe back problems for this breed.

  • Intervertebral disc degeneration: A disc between two vertebrae deteriorates and causes pressure on the nerves. This is very painful to the dog and can cause paralysis. It’s not uncommon with Dachshund-type dogs with long backs.
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia. This is a malformation of the joints that can cause lameness, arthritis, and loss of function.
  • Obesity. This breed needs to keep active as it is prone to obesity. You will need to watch his calories carefully.

Alpine Dachsbracke Lifespan

The life expectancy of the Alpine Dachsbracke is 10-12 years.

Note: Our Health is #1 Priority. It should be no different or your Alpine Dachsbracke. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. Help your friend make it to 14 yrs+ without pain and suffering.

Caring for the Alpine Dachsbracke

Alpine Dachsbracke Grooming

The Alpine Basset is a low-maintenance breed and a moderate shedder.

He needs to be brushed once a week, except during shedding season when brushing should be daily.

He should be given baths only when he gets into something that smells bad. Dry shampoo works well between baths.

Like all dogs, his ears need to be cleaned and checked often. He needs his nails trimmed periodically and his teeth brushed regularly.

Alpine Dachsbracke Diet

The Alpine Dachsbracke does well on any high-quality food. He has no specific dietary concerns.

Alpine Dachsbracke Exercise

As a working dog with great endurance, this breed’s exercise need is moderately high. He needs to get outside to run and play every day.

Of course, hunting is the ideal exercise for him, but he also enjoys long walks, hikes, and opportunities to run. As a scenthound, he would love to sniff out treats that you hide for him in the yard.

Finding an Alpine Dachsbracke

Buying an Alpine Dachsbracke from a Breeder

Finding an Alpine Dachsbracke for sale will take time and patience. This breed is rare, even in Europe, where it originates.

At the time of this writing, an Internet search finds no Alpine Dachsbracke breeders in North America.

But Facebook has owners’ groups for every breed imaginable. They may help you find a breeder. They would also be a great source of information about living with an Alpine Dachsbracke.

Importing an Alpine Dachsbracke

If you have your heart set on an Alpine Dachsbracke puppy, you may have to broaden your search to Europe. There are several clubs there that recognize this breed.

Again, there are also individuals and groups on Facebook that own Alpine Dachsbracken. If you or someone you know speaks French or German, you may be able to find a breeder who will export one.

Choosing a Breeder

When you do find a breeder, you will want to be sure it is a reputable one and not a puppy mill or “backyard” breeder.

The best way to do that is to get a word-of-mouth recommendation from other Alpine Dachsbracke owners. Again, an online search of forums and user groups would be a great place to start.

If you’re lucky enough to find a breeder closer to home, you should plan a site visit if possible. You will want to be sure the facilities are clean and the Alpine Dachsbracke puppies are happy and healthy-looking.

You should ask if the parents are on site and if you can see them. Also, be sure to inquire about health records for both the pups and the parents.

A good breeder will have health records going back several generations. They will guarantee the health of your puppy.

They will also offer to take that dog back at any time if you need to surrender it.

You will get no guarantee at all with a backyard breeder. Worse, the dog you get will probably have been bred in horrible conditions for the Alpine Dachsbracke puppies and the parents.

And this type of breeder has no interest in preserving the genetic soundness of the breed. A good breeder makes this a priority.

Cost

When you find your breeder, expect Alpine Dachsbracke price to be about $1500. Of course, if you import a pup, you will also have to pay for shipping.

Alpine Dachsbracke Rescue/Adoption

At the time of this writing, there are no rescue organizations for this breed in North America. Your chances of finding an Alpine Dachsbracke for adoption from a rescue or shelter are slim.

Once again, you may need to broaden your search to Europe. You could also try searching online for rescue organizations that rescue hunting hounds. They may take in an Alpine Dachsbracke from time to time, or even a crossbreed.

If you would consider a mixed breed, you may have better luck. It’s possible to find a mix that would have many Alpine Dachsbracke traits.

Mixed breeds are often free of breed-specific health conditions as well—a bonus.

Is the Alpine Dachsbracke the Right Breed for You?

The Alpine Dachsbracke is a special dog. He has loads of personality and is full of love for his human family.

The breed has a noble hunting lineage. However, Alpine Dachsbracken are easily adjusting to life as family companions.

Would you enjoy a dog who will make you laugh and add joy and mischief to your life? Are you able to commit to the levels of exercise and attention they need?

If so, the Alpine Dachsbracke temperament may be just what you’re looking for.